28th July 2018

The black (?bakelite) buttons have a brass loop shank but no makers mark. The clasps and silver coloured buttons on the right are by A.J.Parkes. the two with the brass back are by Stokes Vic. The eight-pointed Maltese Cross symbol belongs to the Order of St John.

The Brigade has it’s origins in 1877 when the Order of St John (a British chivalric order dating back to the Knights Hospitaller in the 12th century) founded an association to provide first aid training, and later, volunteers capable of providing medical assistance at public gathering and during emergencies. The Australian branch of the brigade began in 1831.

The Adelaide Brigade in 1921. The brigade was organised on a military basis with ranks of officers, etc.